Janus International - Online Orientation

Toll Free Number: 1-866-249-3888Email: [email protected]

16102 Theme Park Way Doswell Virginia 23047 USA

Work And Travel Program USA

What is the Work & Travel Program?

The Summer Work Travel program provides foreign students with an opportunity to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university to experience and to be exposed to the people and way of life in the United States. According to the Department of State

REMEMBER YOU ARE PARTICIPATING

IN A CULTURAL EXCHANGE

PROGRAM

Program Benefits

Cultural Exchange: You will have the chance to live, work and interact with American people and learn about their customs, traditions and daily life.

Share Your Culture: You will find many Americans who want to learn about YOU! You will have the chance to share your own culture, language and traditions with Americans.

English: Improve your international English skills. Don’t be shy about speaking English, the more you practice the easier it will be!

More Program Benefits

Travel: You will have the chance to travel to nearby cities, towns and local sites during your days off. Many small towns and regions of the US have a lot to offer, you just have to take the time to explore them! (We highly recommend you save your long-distance travel plans to big cities like New York, or Los Angeles for your 30 day travel period.)

Work Experience: While work and earning money should not be the main goals of your cultural exchange program, many participants gain valuable skills and work experience from their jobs in the US.

Eligibility•Sufficiently proficient in English•Post-secondary school students enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree•At least 18 years of age and no older than 27 at the time of application •Must participate within the dates of your University summer break.•Check with your local agency for guidance on the maximum dates allowed for your country•Ask your University for specific Summer break start and end dates.

EmploymentJanus Placed: Provided by Janus

Self Placed: Provided by Janus- approved hospitality employer

2nd Jobs: Allowed but must be pre-approved by Janus

Working Hours• Average of 32- 40* hours per week for the entire duration of the program• Expect your hours to vary each week, depending on the economy and business levels of your employer• Expect to work fewer than 32-40 hours in the first 1-2 weeks-you are in training!• Expect to work fewer than 32-40 hours at the end of your program

after the American “Labor Day” holiday in September• You may have only weekend work at the beginning of your program

or at the end of your program, depending on the American school vacation schedule and your employer’s operating calendar.

• Check your Job Agreement/Job Description for more details!

How much can I POTENTIALLY earn?

•$7.25 US/ hour*= Non Tipped Position (Dishwasher, Housekeeper, Food Attendant, Theme Park Staff, Lifeguard, Fast Food Crew, Etc.)•$2.13 US/hour + Tips=Tipped Positions (Server)• Tips are not common in non tipped positions!*$7.25 is the current US Federal minimum Wage. Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages.

-According to the Department of Labor

OVERTIME

•The Overtime rate per hour = 1.5 x regular rate•Overtime is paid after working MORE THAN 40 hours per WEEK at most employers**IMPORTANT: This varies by employer. Many seasonal employers that are only open for part of the year are NOT required to pay overtime! Some examples of seasonal employers are ski resorts, water parks and theme parks.

OVERTIME IS NOT GUARANTEED! DO NOT EXPECT TO RECEIVE MANY OVERTIME

HOURS DURING YOUR PROGRAM!

• Expect to see US Taxes deducted from your paychecks

• J-1 Participants need to pay Federal Income Tax, State Income Tax and Local Taxes

• Some States (Florida and Alaska for example) do not have State Income Tax

• J-1 Participants do not pay social security, Medicare or unemployment taxes

• At the end of each tax year, your employer will send you a form called a W-2 Form. W-2 Forms are usually available in February or March. (For example, 2015 W-2 forms would be available in February/March of 2016).

• Use your W-2 to file for a tax refund. Visit www.irs.gov for filing procedures. Some participants choose to use a tax service for assistance.

TAXES

Program Cost

•Program Fees Paid via your agency overseas

•I-901 SEVIS Fee: $35 •The U.S. Department of Homeland Security now requires the collection of this fee to help cover the costs of administering the program.

Health Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage valid from your DS-2019 start date through your DS-2019 end date is included in your program fee and is provided by HCC Medical Insurance Services.

If you would like to extend your insurance to cover your 30 day travel period, contact Janus International for further information and pricing at least 15 days BEFORE your DS end date.*

*Note: Some of our overseas agencies have special arrangements with Janus International that include 30 days of additional insurance to cover your travel period. Check with your overseas agency for more details.

You will receive a copy of your insurance ID card and policy information along with your DS-2019 form (Please check with your overseas agency). Always carry your insurance ID card with you in case of an emergency!

IMPORTANTREMEMBER THAT EVEN WITH HEALTH

INSURANCE, MEDICAL CARE IN THE U.S. IS

NOT FREE!

How do I use my Health Insurance?

For COLD/FLU or General Sickness/Feeling Unwell: Start by visiting a local pharmacy and purchasing “over the counter” cold and flu remedies. If your symptoms persist or worsen go to a local doctor/urgent care provider for treatment.

For a doctor office or Urgent Care Center/Walk-In Clinic visit, you will need to pay a $100 deductible ($50 copayment only at Urgent Care Centers) and file an insurance claim through HCC medical insurance services for any additional expenses.

Always take your insurance ID card with you!

Health Insurance Tips and Important Reminders

Pre-existing conditions, dental work, routine check-ups/physical exams and pregnancy are NOT covered by the insurance!

Schedule your routine check-up and dental work and have your prescriptions filled BEFORE you come to the US!

Alcohol or drug related injuries are not covered! Check your insurance brochure for the complete

information on coverage exclusions. Bring a basic medical kit(Band-Aid/bandages

balm, creams, aspirin, etc.)

IMPORTANT: EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

DO NOT VISIT AN EMERGENCY ROOM AT A HOSPITAL UNLESS YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY!Please Note – Charges for use of the emergency room for an illness will be subject to a $200 Deductible unless the

Member is directly admitted to the Hospital as an Inpatient for further treatment of that Illness. Injuries will not be

subject to the ER deductible.* Always use your best judgment with a situation. If you feel you need immediate medical attention, please do not delay and go straight to the Emergency Room. However if you are unsure or your condition is not severe, then either call the emergency services department for assistance or visit a local doctor or urgent care center in your area.*

Health Insurance Contact Information

HCC Medical Insurance ServicesP.O. Box 2005

Farmington Hills, MI 48333Toll Free: 1-866-400-0080

Email: [email protected] Zone*:

http://www.envisageglobalinsurance.com/student-zone/janus/ *Visit the student zone to file a claim, download your coverage brochure or ID card, search for doctors, hospitals and walk-in

clinics and for answers to common insurance-related questions.

Other Program Costs

The following are NOT included in the program and are your responsibility: Housing Fees Public transportation to and from work Meals Spending Money International airfare or domestic

transportation in the US Airport transfers

Managing Your Expenses

Bring at least $750-$1,000 with you It may take up to 1 month before you receive

your first paycheck Create a budget sheet for yourself before you

travel. Think carefully about how you will spend your

money so you do not run out of funds to pay for your basic expenses

Keep your money in a safe place. Open up a US bank account after you arrive

Setting a BudgetBelow is a helpful guide of average expenses in the US. Exact costs will vary based on different regions throughout the US. This only serves as a guide to assist you with creating a budget based on your hours and

the wages earn from your job agreement.ITEM APPROXIMATE COST

MONTHLY RENT (PER STUDENT, BASED ON SHARED HOUSING) $300-$700RENTAL DEPOSIT $100-$250

GROCERIES$150-$500 per month (depending on your personal choices)

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION $2.50-$5 per trip

AIRPORT TRANSFER/AIRPORT TAXI$20-$100 or more per trip ($2-$4 per mile + Airport Pick-up Surcharges)

CELL PHONE MONTHLY FEE $35-$200MEALS (DINING OUT) $5-$15 or more plus tipFAST FOOD MEAL $5-$10MOVIE TICKET $10-$15CEREAL $5.00 MILK (1 GALLON) $4.00 BREAD $2.50 LARGE PIZZA $18 HOTEL/MOTEL $50-$200 or more per nightPACK OF CIGARETTES $5-$15SODA (6 PACK) $3.00

Housing Details

•Housing cost depends on the location but isusually between $10-$25 per day, per participant•Read and understand your housing contract regarding housing payments, deposits, housing rules, and check out procedures•Address issues directly with your housing manager first. Contact Janus International next if you need further assistance.•Be sensitive and respectful of your roommates and housing facility. Keep your room in tip-top shape.•Housing facility type varies by location and could be a hotel, apartment or rental house.

Housing Deposit Most housing locations require a housing deposit

payable upon arrival or in advance. Typically between $100 and $250, but check your

job agreement for specifics. This is standard practice in the US so come

prepared with the funds to pay! The housing deposit is typically returned to you at

the end of you program, as long as your housing is left clean, in good condition with no damages and you have paid all your rent throughout the summer

Check your housing agreement for more details on your housing deposit refund policy!

SAMPLE HOUSING PHOTOS

Be Considerate to People You Live With

Keep your housing clean and organized, and be respectful of your roommates and owners of your building.

GOOD EXAMPLE

BAD EXAMPLE

Be Considerate of Other Guests

You will be living in housing (hotels, motels, apartments, rental houses, etc.) that has neighbors, and other guests. Please keep the noise to an acceptable level at night.

GOOD EXAMPLE

BAD EXAMPLE

Smoking and Drinking: U.S. Etiquette

Smoking is prohibited inside many housing locations and in most public areas in the U.S. Limit your smoking and do NOT throw cigarette butts

on the ground-especially NOT where you live and work.

Use appropriate cigarette receptacles/ashtrays The drinking age in the U.S. is 21! Underage drinking, supplying alcoholto those who are underage, and any illicitdrug use is illegal and can result in jail time or fines!

Getting to Work

• How you will get to work depends on your location. Check your job agreement and job description

• Most students walk, bike or use public transportation such as a bus or shuttle

• Do your research prior to your arrival!

Bike Safety

Example of proper bike safety attire

Bike Safety Continued…

Watch the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Video on Bike Safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdrrxIpQpt4

Protect your head, always wear a properly fitted helmet!

Assure bicycle readiness by ensuring proper size and function of a bicycle.

Ride wisely by learning and following the rules of the road as well as safety tips.

Be visible by using reflectors and wearing bright colors. See and be seen at all times.

Drive your bike with care and share the road responsibly. Stay focused and alert at all times.

Are YOU ready to go to the USA?!

Planning your travel to the US

Organize your travel to work/housing location from the airport in advance. Check the web-sites for: bus (www.greyhound.com , www.megabus.com), train (www.amtrak.com), local airfares (for e.g. www.expedia.com) , taxi, etc.

Make appropriate plans if arriving over a weekend or on a holiday.

Provide your flight information to your local agency, sponsor and your employer!

I-94 upon arrival to the US

CBP will no longer require international non-immigrant visitors to fill out a paper Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record upon arrival to the U.S. by air or sea. The agency will gather travelers’ arrival/departure information automatically from their electronic travel records. Most U.S. airports will stop stapling white I-94 form to the student’s passport, so employers do not need to worry that student lost or misplaced the form, everything is going to be online. For more information about the new rule, please click on the link below: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/i-94_instructions/i94_rollout.xml

To retrieve your Admission I-94 number (for employer, Social Security Office, etc.) please go to the following U.S. Customs and Border Protection web site: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

We recommend you keep copies of your boarding passes from your flights in and out of the US in case of any discrepancies with your I-94 record

Changes to SWT Program• You are not allowed to work a 2nd job

without getting Janus’ permission first!• You are not allowed to change or leave

your primary job without first discussing and getting permission from Janus!

• You are not allowed to work overnight shifts – only until 2:00am at latest!

• You must be home in time to start back at University! Even final year students!

New Jobs and Second Jobs

• J-1 Work & Travel Participants are not allowed to change their primary jobs without permission from their sponsor!

• If you want to change your primary job or have problems at your primary job, contact Janus International right away for assistance!

• Your second job should not interfere with your primary job schedule

• Any second or new jobs must be vetted and approved by Janus International. New/Second Jobs must be in compliance with program rules and participants must check with their sponsor first before starting any job!

• Based on US Department of State program regulations, starting any job that has not been vetted and approved by your sponsor (Janus International) is grounds for termination of your program and SEVIS status!

New Job Verification• ALWAYS contact Janus

International at [email protected] for approval to add a second job or change your job.

• If your request to seek a new or second job is approved, we will provide you with an Employment Verification Form.

• This form must be completed by your employer, signed and submitted to Janus.

• Your employer’s worker’s compensation certificate and business license must be submitted along with this form

• Once all documents are received, Janus will review your complete job offer and notify you within 72 hours if the job position is approved.

Changes to SWT Program…Prohibited Jobs

In the best interest of the health and safety of all J-1 participants, some job positions are prohibited for Work & Travel students by the US Department of State. The full list can be found here http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/summer-work-travel but some examples include: Positions that require licensing or as operators or drivers of vehicles or

vessels for which drivers’ licenses are required In domestic help positions in private homes (e.g., child care, elder care,

gardener, chauffeur) As pedicab or rolling chair drivers or operators In any position in the adult entertainment industry In positions that are substantially commission-based and thus do not

guarantee that participants will be paid minimum wage In positions in chemical pest control, warehousing, catalogue/online order

distribution centers, factories, fisheries, manufacturing, moving companies and the construction sector

Activate your SEVIS

•What is SEVIS? SEVIS is an online database system that maintains information on J-1 visa exchange visitor program participants as well as other US visitors.•You must contact Janus International upon arrival so that we can “ACTIVATE” your SEVIS record and validate your arrival in the SEVIS database system.•IMPORTANT! Based on US Department of State regulations, your program and SEVIS record can be terminated if you do not contact your sponsor within 10 days of your arrival to the US!

How do I Activate My SEVIS?

The best way is to visit the Janus International Website: www.janus-international.com/sevis

You can also e-mail us at: [email protected] If no computer access please call the Janus Phone Number: 1-

866-249-3888 (between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM weekdays). You must provide the following information for SEVIS activation:

Full Name and Date of Birth DS-2019 Number US Arrival Date Full Employer Name & Address Full Housing Facility Name & Address Apartment or Room Number

Applying for a Social Security Number

Your Social Security number will be your individual US Identification Number for tax purposes. All J-1 participants must apply for a social security number after arrival to the US. Here’s how:

Step 1: Activate your SEVIS! (You must wait 10 days after arriving and activating your SEVIS record before applying for your Social Security Card!)Step 2: Visit the Social Security Website to find your nearest office and further instructions on how to apply for a card: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ Step 3: Visit your local office and submit a social security application. Bring all of your important documents with you! (Passport, DS-2019, I-94 Print-Out). (Some employers assist in the application of Social Security Number, if not, you have to go on your own.)

Step 4: Provide your employer with the “Proof of Social Security application” letter you receive at the office.Step 5: Wait 2-6 weeks for your Social Security card to arrive in the mail. *Sometimes J-1 participants experience delays with receiving their Social Security card. If you have not received a card after 6 weeks, call the Social Security office directly or visit the office again to follow-up.

Step 6: Provide your employer a copy of your social security card. *Your employer may not be able to release your paycheck to you until you have given them a copy of your application letter and/or social security card!

Keep your social security card in a safe place!

Applying for a Social Security Card Continued....

Monthly Monitoring

•You will receive an email from Janus International once a month•You need to respond and follow the instructions in the email to complete your “Monthly Check-In.”•This procedure is for your safety and well-being. We need to hear from you AT LEAST ONCE EVERY MONTH!

YOUR EMAIL IS YOUR LIFE LINE

Check your INBOX!

If we get your EMAIL wrong, you won’t get any updates…

…provide us with the correct email address that you check regularly!

Response from YOU

You will be given 5 days to respond

Based on Department of State Regulations, failure to respond to monthly monitoring from your sponsor is

grounds for termination of your J-1 program and SEVIS record.

Reminder…PROGRAM CHANGES YOU MUST GET PERMISSION FIRST

TO…•SHORTEN / EXTEND Program DatesImportant: Program extension requests must be received at least 30 days prior to your DS-2019 end date

• CHANGE Employers•CHANGE Housing

CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY!

You will Encounter challenges along the way

Employer

• Try to resolve your conflict first with your employer

Janus•Contact us first if you face

challenges in your program

DOS• You are free to call the Department of

State as well after you have notified Janus

How it works

Employer

Janus

DOS

Have the Right Expectations

Adjustment Period: Your first few weeks in the U.S. may be difficult as you adjust to both your job and the cultural differences. Many participants experience “Culture Shock” during this time. This is very normal! There are a lot of changes: new roommates, new language, new customs, new food, etc. Be patient, stay positive and keep a good sense of humor. You will start adjusting to your new environment quickly, and things will get better!

Have the Right Expectations U.S. regional accents vary, give yourself time to adjust to the

local accent Speak slowly at first for others to understand your accent Don’t smoke in public places unless otherwise stated Legal drinking age, places to sell and consume alcohol laws

are very strict in the U.S. Do not expect to have busy nightlife near the place you stay

in the U.S. Respect the personal space of others Respect the values and beliefs of your employer, coworkers

and all American people you encounter. They are your hosts and you should be considerate, without having to agree on all political or religious issues. This is a learning experience!!

Have the Right Expectations

• Work & Travel jobs are NOT always in BIG Cities. Public transportation, night life, etc. might not be the same as at home.

• Be prepared to WORK HARD. Most J-1 jobs require hard physical work which involves cleaning, lifting, standing, pushing, bending, etc.

• If your Goal = HUGE $$ then this program is NOT FOR YOU

• Honor the job agreement you have signed and the commitment to your employer

Your Safety in the US

Use caution just as you would anywhere! Do not walk alone at night and do not hitchhike-it

is dangerous and illegal! Keep your important documents like your DS-

2019 Form and passport in a safe place (separate from your social security card, just in case!)

Open up a bank account and don’t keep a lot of cash on you or in your housing.

Dial 911 if you are in danger or in an emergency and need urgent police, fire or medical assistance.

Work TERMINATION

Absolutely POSSIBLE

Common Reasons for Work Termination

Attendance Issues: Frequently arriving to work late or missing work when you are scheduled

Insubordination: Not following the directions of your manager or supervisor

Poor job performance Violations of employer policies and procedures

Note: You may receive verbal and/or written warnings because of unacceptable work performance issues. If this

happens, make special efforts to improve your performance to avoid further warnings. After multiple warnings,

termination occurs. Serious issues such as underage drinking, theft, vandalism or other illegal activities result in

IMMEDIATE termination without prior warnings!

To Avoid Work Termination…

Follow all policies and regulations outlined by your employer. Ask questions if you don’t understand!

Go to work on time, every day that you are scheduled and be prepared to work hard.

Know and understand your employer’s “call-off” procedure in case you are sick and need to miss work.

Follow your employer’s hygiene and uniform standards Develop a positive working relationship and

communicate with your manager. Remember, try to solve problems on your own but contact Janus International if you encounter difficulties or need further assistance.

Implications of Termination

Contact Janus International immediately if you have been terminated from your job position. We will discuss the situation with you and your employer and give you guidance on the next steps for your Work & Travel program. Depending on the circumstances of your termination, we may need to ask you to return home and withdraw from the program. This is especially true if you have violated US laws or had serious employment policy violations. If you are requested to return home here are the steps you need to take:• You will need to return home to your country with in 10 days after

your termination• Submit a copy of your return flight itinerary or flight ticket• Submit a copy of your passport re-entry stamp

Failure to follow these procedure will result in the termination of your SEVIS record, making it difficult for you to return to

the United States on another visa in the future.

What is SEVIS Termination?

Your SEVIS record and J-1 program can be terminated for the violation of J-1 Exchange Visitor program regulations. If your SEVIS record is Terminated, this will leave a negative mark on your immigrations record for up to 10 years, and may make it difficult for you or your family members to return to the US on another visa in the future. Once your SEVIS record is terminated, you will need to make arrangements to depart the US immediately, as you will no longer have a legal status in the US. If your SEVIS record is terminated, your health insurance coverage will also be cancelled.

Grounds for Termination of your SEVIS Record and Program

Job Abandonment / Unauthorized Transfer Failure to report to the site of activity listed on your DS-2019 form Termination from employment Underage Drinking (21 years old) Illegal handling/selling/possession/ use of drugs Stealing/shoplifting Fights Sexual or Racial Harassment Illegal Activities and Police Reports Misdemeanor Failure to respond to Monthly Monitoring Failure to activate your SEVIS record within 10 days of your arrival Failure to notify your sponsor (Janus International) of a change in your

housing or job location

Travel Grace Period

Following the completion of their program, the period defined on the Form DS-2019, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows participants a 30-day travel period commonly referred to as the "Grace Period." During this 30-day grace period, participants are no longer in J-visa status, and are under the jurisdiction of the USCIS. The USCIS grants this period to allow participants to settle their affairs and to prepare to return to their home countries. Program participants may no longer continue and/or complete exchange activities, nor may they work. Although participants may travel in the United States, it is recommended that they do not travel beyond the borders of the United States as they may not be permitted reentry. -According to the US Department of State J-1 Visa website Make sure that your travel time does not interfere with your

university schedule! Take advantage of this time to see famous sites of the US

and experience new areas of the US outside of your job city and state.

Traveling Outside of the US During Your Program

If you are planning to take a trip outside of the US (for example to Canada, Mexico or a cruise to the Caribbean) you will need to do

so during the dates on your DS-2019 form. Before traveling, ensure that you have a valid visa to the country you are visiting as well as a valid re-entry visa for your return to the US. Janus

International must also sign your DS-2019 form prior to your trip, to facilitate your re-entry to the US. Check with your employer

first for approval for the time-off to travel. If you travel outside of the US during your grace period, most likely you will NOT be

granted re-entry to the US if you do not have a valid visa/DS form, so do your research before making your plans!

Please contact Janus International at least 2 weeks prior to your intended travel plans so we can give you the proper instructions!

Travel

We hope to see you in the U.S.!

Toll Free Number: 1-866-249-3888Email: student@janus-

international.com

16102 Theme Park Way Doswell, Virginia 23047

USA